'Peat and Sands' - The West Coast of the Isle of Lewis

Episode 13: ‘Peat and Sands’ (Season 2)

Ready to go island hopping again? Let’s drive down the west coast of Lewis on our way from the Callanish Stones to Bosta Beach on Great Bernera.

‘Peat and Sands’ is a story about a road trip on the Isle of Lewis. We’ll explore a landscape that is shaped by time, as we drive from standing stones to sandy beaches – and everything in between.

After the story, I share with you my top 5 tips to get the most out of your road trip on the west coast of Lewis.

TRANSCRIPT

Useful Links

Use my Isle of Lewis road trip guide to follow my footsteps and see even more highlights on the island.

Buy my Outer Hebrides itinerary and use it on your next trip to Scotland.

Disclaimer: All information provided in this podcast is based on personal travel experiences. Companies mentioned in the story or tips were active at the time of release. If you listen to episodes at a later point, note that this information may have changed in the meantime.

Credits

Written and hosted by Kathi Kamleitner.
Produced and edited by Fran Turauskis.
Cover Art illustrated by Lizzie Vaughan-Knight.
All original music composed by Bruce Wallace.
Additional sound effects from Zapsplat, Pond5 and SoundBoard.
All photographs by Kathi Kamleitner.

5 Travel Tips for the Isle of Lewis

1) Avoid the weekend

When you’re on Lewis and Harris, it’s important to keep in mind that most things close on Sundays. That includes restaurants and shops, but also visitor centres and attractions. I drove around the island on a Saturday, and even then it was difficult to find an open cafe or shop and I actually had to return to Stornoway to get something to eat. So, my advice is to pack your own lunch or try to avoid travelling on a weekend.

2) Stay at the Blackhouse Village

Yes – you can stay there! Some of the buildings at the Blackhouse Village have been converted into self-catering accommodation that include a bunkhouse for groups and a few family cottages. You get to wake up to the sound of the sea and stay in the village long after the tour groups have gone.

3) Learn about Harris Tweed

The tradition of weaving of Harris Tweed is inseparable from the Outer Hebrides.

There are many places to visit where you can learn about this local hero, but if you follow my itinerary, consider stopping at the Carloway Mill visitor centre and of course see a loom in action at the Blackhouse Village.

4) Tour the Iron Age House on Bosta Beach

At the far end of Boast Beach, stands the replica of an Iron Age House that was re-constructed after a big storm in the 90ies revealed the remnants of an entire village here in the dunes. Today, it’s open to visitors and there are tours around the house.

Unfortunately, the house is closed at the moment, but hopefully, it will re-open next year.

5) End your day at McNeill’s in Stornoway

If you’re looking for a nice pub to end your day, head to McNeill’s in Stornoway.

After I left the Callanish stones for the second time, I found my way to the pub, ordered an Isle of Harris gin and listened to some live music while chatting with locals. It’s a great place to wind down from a busy day on the road.